Pezeshkian Accuses US and Israel of Exploiting Iran’s Challenges

Speaking to intellectuals and political, social, and cultural figures in Golestan province, Pezeshkian criticized Washington and Tel Aviv for their role in escalating tensions. “It is undeniable that Israel and the US take advantage of our country’s situation. They have done nothing but create problems for us. Their hearts are not with Iran,” he said.

Referring to protests earlier this month, Pezeshkian said, “During the recent events, Trump and Netanyahu beat the drum of protests. Did they intend to solve our nation’s problems? They have blocked all our paths, frozen our transactions, and obstructed our work, while claiming they want to ‘save’ us.”

The protests on January 8 and 9, initially sparked by economic grievances, escalated into violent incidents involving armed groups, resulting in damage to shops, government buildings, public facilities, and casualties among civilians and security personnel. Iranian authorities alleged that American and Israeli intelligence agencies provided funding, training, and media support to the perpetrators. According to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, a total of 3,117 people died during the unrest, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel.

Pezeshkian stressed national unity as the key to overcoming challenges, saying, “A great wound has been created. We must repair and heal it with unity and cohesion, not deepen it with division and discord, which only increases the country’s problems.”

He also highlighted the historical pressures on Iran, asserting that nations guilty of genocide often accuse Iran of human rights violations and massacres. “Since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, all kinds of pressures and conspiracies have been applied to prevent us from serving the people properly,” he said, adding, “Our responsibility is to understand the situation and continue serving the people despite all the pressures.”